This morning’s headlines are dominated by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s farewell, but on the pitch it was Rafael Leao who perhaps confirmed himself as his successor.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (via PianetaMilan) report, Leao was the undisputed star of the win against Verona, recovering from a sub-part first half to score in the 85th and 92nd minute, resulting in a 3-1 win.
Verona barricaded themselves in during the first half which made little sense given that Spezia were winning at the Olimpico at the time (the Gialloblu needed to better their result to stay up), but Ngonge kicked Brahim Díaz own in the box and Olivier Giroud tucked away the penalty.
That was just as Roma drew against Spezia, and Verona came out with a different attitude in the second half, more attacking, intense and combative. Coach Marco Zaffaroni’s changes worked as Darko Lazović crossed for Marco Faraoni to equalise.
The goal then became to find a winner and try secure survival without a play-off, but Leao took advantage by scoring twice on the break in the closing stages.
The first came via a great strike from the edge of the box after a run that started in the Milan half, and then the second came following another break that he led and a tidy finish after a one-two with Alexis Saelemaekers.
Three goals and three points meant that Ibra’s farewell could be enjoyed in the best possible way, with Leao putting his stamp on the game perhaps as a sign that he is ready to fill the leadership void that Zlatan’s departure will open up.
I really don’t think he has the necessary character to assume a leadership role, at least not for now. But nevertheless he’s undoubtedly our greatest player technically speaking, and he will play an increasingly decisive role on our future.
Not yet still has to sharpn his tools but soon
Not sure the writer meant leader rather than star figure on the team. The headliner so to speak.